Delhi blast: World rallies to India’s support (Roundup)

New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) The bomb explosion outside the Delhi High Court Wednesday elicited widespread global condemnation, with some of India’s key partners including the US expressing solidarity and offering support in probing the attack that killed 11 and left 76 injured.

“On behalf of all Americans, I extend deep condolences to the government of India and the families of those harmed in this (Wednesday) morning’s attacks on the New Delhi High Court,” US Charge d’Affaires Peter Burleigh said in a statement.

“The US remains shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terror, and will provide whatever assistance possible to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,” he added.

Delhi was put on high alert with security beefed up across the city after the blast.

Conveying his country’s solidarity with India, visiting Israeli Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said the “murderous attack” could only be the handiwork of a “twisted mind”.

“Only a twisted mind can perpetuate a murderous attack against a shrine of justice and democracy, a house in which all men are equal and peace loving,” he said.

Describing India and Israel as “close partners” as well as “brothers in times of joy and sorrow,” the minister said: “After spending the last couple of days in New Delhi, I know that the Indian people and the government of India will prevail.”

Describing the bombing as “an act of senseless violence”, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard underlined full support to India in combating terrorism.

“This act of senseless violence, directed at one of the institutions of government, appears to have been planned to cause a high number of casualties among the general public,” Australian Prime Minister Julian Gillard’s office said in a statement.

“The Indian government and people have Australia’s full support as they continue to combat terrorism,” the statement added.

Among India’s neighbours, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her “profound shock and outrage” over the blast and stressed that any act of terrorism was “unacceptable” and “unjustifiable”.

The explosion outside the Delhi High Court took place when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was in Dhaka on a two-day visit.

“She condemned the heinous act and stated that any act of terrorism is unacceptable, criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation,” a Foreign Office statement said.

Sheikh Hasina conveyed “heartfelt sympathies and profound condolences to the members of the bereaved families”.

Addressing intellectuals and academics at the Dhaka University, Manmohan Singh lauded Bangladesh’s initiatives in working together with India to combat terror groups.

“I would like to acknowledge the immense cooperation India has received from Bangladesh in this area which is in the interest of both India and Bangladesh,” he said.

Describing the bombing as an “atrocious act of terrorism”, Japan hoped that the people of India will “quickly overcome this ordeal” and stressed its cooperation with the international community to combat terrorism.

“Japan mourns the victims and expresses its condolences to the bereaved families. Japan also offers its sympathy to those wounded in the attacks,” Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.